Hi All,
I have done Google Summer of Code, under eTrice last year, I totally with the fact that some people(i would say most) do apply in google summer of code, because of money purpose only. Telling the truth, in my country $500 is quite a good sum, for that purpose people who have plans for their summer too apply in GSoC for money and don't even care about contributing and passing mid-term or final evaluations. I don't totally agree upon seeing the commit history and coding activity. Because quality of code is totally different from quantity but again in total final quantity of your work is what matters most. So checking previous involvement is quite a good thing if not perfect.
I do have a suggestion, why don't we put ideas and start interaction even before GSoC starts, and students come ask about procedure etc. If a student is really willing to work with you and truthfully agrees to do all what he/she says,
he/she will remain in contact with you and work even before he/she gets selected. This method i consider would be fair. Also through this you guys can know if applicants abilities are deserving or not for what he seeks.
Forgive if any typos. HTH
Regards,
